There seemed to be much interest in Hawaiian Koa wood in the thread I posted two few days ago: “Respect for Hawaii-Crafting wood boards”. Attached is a photo of a small piece of koa (9"x14") that I just ripped, bookmatched, sanded, and applied a clear finish to show the color and grain. This is a poor pic shot indoors (scroll up/down to see full pic). To see the wood outside in natural light is to witness a miracle - a blinding explosion of color and iridescent grain! A friend stated it reminded him of what the sky must look like at the entrance to heaven. To me, it speaks of the beauty that is Hawaii and its people.
Beautiful! It reminds me of a Totara burl only more dramatic and brighter in colour. Thanks for the picture.
Richard,
First of all thank you for such a thoughtful, moving, and eloquent post. I hope it struck a chord with many others. This followup picture is truly worth a thousand words. Thanks for sharing. Gil
nice photo – but now everyone will want one!
(just kidding…)
Y’know, the only problem with wood that pretty is figuring out what to do with it that wouldn’t be …oh, ‘undeserving’ might be as good a word as any. Mebbe the back of a slack-key guitar?
The only other woods I have seen with that electric depth of color are flame maple(curly) and satinwood.Maple is still common.Satinwood is in the catgory of Koa,Ebony,Brazillian Rosewood…all just about extinct from the planet.Here is a quick story…there was an incredible “beeswing” satinwood log on the market a few years ago and the veneer guys went in to bidding frenzy on it.The log sold for around 60thousand dollars.Some of that veneer was made in 4x8 panels and went on a Gulfstream Jet.Each custom made 4x8 panel was $1800.I love wood.
Doc and Cleanlines,
Good idea for a slack key guitar, but too small, and I agree with you big time clean, about the beauty of curly and flame maple and satinwood, and I’m with you on wood… I walk on wood floors in my home, work with wood all day, and drive a wood car. “It’s all wood!”
Doc, since you mention slack key guitar, and Clean I know you have a friend who is a world class luthier, I suggest Hawaiian slack key guitar music to all of you shapers out there who like to create by inspiring music. It’s about all I listen to lately in my shop 24-7.
Aloha